Archives for June 2015

It has been calculated that just 83 Black women have received a Ph.D. in physics-related fields in American history. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, a cosmologist at MIT, was the 63rd. She spoke to the Huffington Post about why her work for organizations such as the National Society of Black Physicists is just as important as doing her science. More>

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) will produce a 3-D space map using a hive of robots. The robots are in development at Berkeley Lab, the lead of the DESI collaboration, and the University of Michigan. More>

Nikos Kyrpides, head of the JGI Prokaryote Super Program, and recent recipient of the Van Niel International Prize in Bacterial Systematics, reflects on 10 years of the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) data management system with nods to CRD’s Victor Markowitz and NERSC, and looks at future directions. More>

In response to user feedback, employees will soon be able to shop more suppliers on eBuy, search/filter across multiple catalogs, and add items from multiple catalogs to one shopping cart. Phased expansion begins in August. Learn more on the Procurement website.

It’s been a year since Nickelson, one of the few women in this male-dominated field, came on board after 24 years as director of facilities at Idaho National Lab. “I love working in this field because nothing is the same,” she says. “I work well under pressure.” More>

The new Berkeley Center for Magnet Technology (BCMT) will advance magnet technologies by bringing together research and development expertise from across Berkeley Lab. The center will help foster communication and coordinate collaborations on magnet-oriented projects. More>

Hubbard was selected after a comprehensive search and approval of the UC Regents. Her appointment is effective immediately. Director Alivisatos announced the creation of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Area in March to position Lab programs for greater impact in environmental sciences, climate change, and subsurface energy resources. More>

Berkeley Lab was among the organizers of the Pacific Rim Forum on the Earthquake Resilience of Nuclear Facilities, held in Berkeley June 8-9. Participants shared lessons and developments for enhancing the earthquake resilience of nuclear facilities, and to identify technological gaps and research needs. More>